The Way of the Lord

March 12, 2021

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.” - Psalm 19:7-9

In the six preceding verses of Psalm 19, David wrote of how God reveals himself through his creation and how that creation displays his glory throughout the world. As we move into these next few verses, David wrote of how God reveals himself through his law, testimony, precepts, and commandments. The glory of the Lord was also revealed through each of these as was his moral perfection and purity. We are called to marvel at God through his creation then to worship and adore him. That worship and adoration would naturally lead one to wanting to know God better, to enjoy relationship with him, and to seek to live in alignment with his will.

David declared that the law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul. When we live our lives according to God’s perfect law, we love the things that God loves, and we enjoy the benefits of obedience. Our souls are revived as they are not weighed down by the weight of sin and the consequences of that sin.

The testimony of the Lord is sure and makes the simple person wise. Trusting in God’s words allows understanding of the divine, of things that far surpass our human understanding. God’s truth enlightens us to know him, to understand him, and to articulate his will and ways.

The precepts of the Lord are right and cause our hearts to rejoice. When we allow God to guide us according to his plans and purposes, we find joy. David understood that when he allowed God to guide his decisions and actions, he was able to remain close to the Lord. There was safety and comfort in his obedience as well as great joy.

Lastly, the commandment of the Lord is pure and enlightens the eyes. Obeying the commandment of the Lord kept one from sinning and allowed him to walk faithfully in the light of the Lord. Thus, there was clarity and awareness.

All these – the law, testimony, precept, and commandment – they look back to the Mosaic covenant and to God’s plan for how his people were to live. God has such good plans for his people. When we choose obedience to his will and ways, we can enjoy those plans – our souls are revived; we are made wise; our hearts rejoice; and our eyes are enlightened. Are you experiencing these things in your life and in your relationship to the Lord?

Often, we doubt the Lord. We doubt his goodness, and we think that his rules are there to restrict us or to hinder our joy. The Lord would have us to understand that the opposite is true. All his commandments are there to lead us into life, into the fullness of life that God has for us.

Reflection:
How do you view the laws and teachings of the Lord? Is there anything he may be calling you to surrender today so that you can live faithfully before him and so that he can lead you into the fullness of joy and life?